Objective To investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)patients.Methods HBV and HCV serological tests performed in the Gulou Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Nanjing University from January 2010 to March 2015 were retrospectively investigated for analysis HBV and HCV infection rate.The clinical testing data of 866 SLE inpatients (SLE group)from January 2010 to March 2015 were retrospectively in-vestigated for analysis HBV and HCV infection rate.The serological tests performed in 1 795 health examination people (Control group)to estimate the HBV and HCV infection ratein general population using ELISA.Compare the difference of HBV/HCV infection rate between SLE group and Control group.Results In the SLE group,17 patients were HBsAg posi-tive,the positive rate was 1.96%.In the control group HBsAg postive 204 patients,the positive rate was 11.4%,there were significant differences between these two groups (χ2 =67.81,P <0.0001).The HBsAg positive rate was lower in male SLE patients compared with controls (5.26% VS 13.9%,χ2 =4.58,P <0.05).For the female SLE patients,the HBsAg positive rate was significantly lower than the control (1.64% VS 8.12%,χ2 = 35.65,P <0.0001).The HBsAg positive rate was lower in SLE group compared with control group among different age groups,and the difference was significant in 21~30, 31~40 and 41~50 age group (χ2 =21.86,22.78,20.36;all P <0.001).There had no statistical difference between SLE and control group for the HBsAb positive rate(Total,χ2 =0.50,P =0.48;Male,χ2 =0.12,P =0.73;Female,χ2 =2.00,P =0.16).Conclusion The prevalence of HBV infection in SLE patients was lower than general population.

Objective To investigate the effects of sepia on stem cells,granulocyte and monocyte progentior cells and peripheral WBC in mice.Methods Different dosages of sepia were given to normal and model mice with hematopoietic system impairment respectively.The numbers of CFU-S,CFU-GM and peripheral WBC in normal and model mice were measured respectively with the method of hematopoietic progenitor cells cultured in vitro and the technique of experimental hematology.Results Sepia could enhance the number of CFU-S,CFU-GM and peripheral WBC in normal mice significantly,resist the decrease of CFU-S,CFU-GM,and peripheral WBC in model mice of hemapoiecsis impaired effectively and promote the restoration of those indices mentioned above in model mice significantly.Conclusion Sepia has significant effects on stimulating granulopoiesis in bone marrow in mice.The mechanism may be related to regulating immunological function and inducement GM-CSF and other sorts of cellular factors,which in turn promote the multiplication differentiation of CFU-S and CFU-GM.

Objective:To explore the risk factors of spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to analyze the prognosis of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in the treatment of spontaneous rupture of HCC.Methods:From January 2008 to December 2018, at Tianjin Third Central Hospital, 126 patients diagnosed with spontaneous rupture of HCC (spontaneous rupture group) and in the same period 252 patients diagnosed as HCC without rupture (non-spontaneous rupture group) were retrospectively selected. Independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test were used to compare the general data, laboratory test results and imaging results between spontaneous rupture group and non-spontaneous rupture group. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of spontaneous rupture of HCC. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used for survival analysis of 92 patients treated with TAE and 31 patients treated with conservative treatment in patients with spontaneous rupture of HCC, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression was used to analyze the independent prognostic factors of patients treated with TAE. Results:The proportions of tumor maximum diameter ≥5 cm, tumors mainly located in segment Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅵ of the liver, tumors protruding height from the surface of liver ≥1 cm, liver cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in spontaneous rupture group were all higher than those in non-spontaneous rupture group (46.8%, 59/126 vs. 35.7%, 90/252; 61.1%, 77/126 vs. 46.0%, 116/252; 73.0%, 92/126 vs. 18.7%, 47/252; 81.7%, 103/126 vs. 69.0%, 174/252; 20.6%, 26/126 vs. 11.5%, 29/252), and the level of fibrinogen is lower than that in non-spontaneous rupture group ((3.07 ±1.38) g/L vs. (3.92±1.13) g/L), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=4.343, 7.644, 106.780, 6.918 and 5.628, t=-3.276, all P<0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the location of tumors in segment Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, Ⅵ of the liver, the height of tumors protruding from the surface of liver ≥1 cm, liver cirrhosis and the fibrinogen was lower than the lower limit of the reference value were independent risk factors of spontaneous rupture of HCC (odds ratio ( OR)=1.354, 5.726, 1.152, 1.892; 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.062 to 2.008, 1.049 to 19.575, 1.016 to 1.895, 1.267 to 3.346; all P<0.05). Among 92 patients with spontaneous rupture of HCC treated with TAE, the TAE technical success rate and clinical success rate were 100.0% (92/92) and 93.5% (86/92), respectively. Thirty-one patients received conservative treatment. The median survival time of the patients treated with TAE was 243 d (38 d, 377 d), which was about 10 times that of the patients who accepted conservative treatment (23 d (9 d, 51 d)). The 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 1-year and 3-year survival rates of the patients treated with TAE were 72.8%, 50.8%, 46.0%, 31.1% and 13.6%, respectively, and those of patients who accepted conservative treatment were 25.8%, 17.2%, 11.5%, 5.7% and 0, respectively; and the differences in survival rates between the two groups were statistically significant ( χ2=34.606, P<0.01). Log-rank test analysis showed that initial hemoglobin <60 g/L, C grade of liver function, total bilirubin (TBil)≥50 μmol/L, complicated with portal vein tumor thrombus, hepatic lobe embolism during TAE, and tumor maximum diameter ≥10 cm were all correlated with poor survival rates of patients with spontaneous rupture of HCC after TAE ( χ2=3.752, 4.146, 22.318, 4.087, 5.685 and 7.893, all P<0.05). The results of multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that TBil ≥ 50 μmol/L, hepatic lobe embolism during TAE, and tumor maximum diameter ≥10 cm were independent factors of poor prognosis of spontaneous rupture of HCC treated with TAE ( OR=25.873, 8.415, 18.620; 95% CI 4.916 to 126.005, 1.136 to 27.319, 2.754 to 84.368; all P<0.05). Conclusions:In HCC patients with tumors located in segments Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅵ of the liver, the height of tumors protruding from the surface of liver ≥1 cm, liver cirrhosis or the fibrinogen is lower than the lower limit of the reference value, close attention should be paid to the risk of spontaneous tumor rupture. TAE is an effective treatment for acute spontaneous rupture of HCC, and the prognosis of patients treated with TAE is better than that of patients receiving conservative treatment. However, patients with TBil ≥50 μmol/L, hepatic lobe embolism during TAE and tumor maximum diameter ≥10 cm have a poor prognosis after TAE treatment.

OBJECTIVETo observe Modified Zhisou Powder (MZP) on the lung function of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) model rats of northwest China cold dryness syndrome (NCCDS).

METHODSTotally 90 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups, i.e., the normal control group (n =20), the COPD model group (n =35), and the COPD of NCCDS group (n =35). The COPD model was established by tracheal dripping porcine pancreatic elastase (PEE) in combination with fumigation for 90 days. The COPD of NCCDS model was set up by tracheal dripping PEE +fumigation + cold and dry environmental stress for 90 days. Then rats in the COPD of NCCDS were randomly divided into the MZP intervention group (n =11 )and the normal saline intervention group (n =10).All intervention lasted for 15 successive days. The lung function was detected using Small Animal Lung Function Device at day 90 and day 105. And the lung pathology was also observed.

RESULTSLittle amount of sputum sound could be heard in the airway of the COPD model group and the COPD of NCCDS group. Pathological section showed alveolar ectasia, narrowed and broken alveolar septa, forming larger capsular space with infiltration of inflammatory cells. Rats in the COPD of NCCDS group showed chills, increased amount of drinking water, and loose stool. MZP could improve their symptoms. As for lung function test, compared with the normal control group, Te increased in the COPD model group (P <0.01), and EF50 decreased (P<0.05). PEF and EF50 decreased (P <0.01), Ti and Te increased (P <0.01, P <0.05) in the COPD of NCCDS group. Compared with the normal saline intervention group, PEF and EF50 increased (P < 0.01), Ti and Te decreased (P <0.01) in the MZP intervention group.

CONCLUSIONMZP could improve the symptoms of COPD rats of NCCDS, and delay the velocity of decreased lung function.

Animals ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Lung ; physiopathology ; Male ; Models, Animal ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; drug therapy ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Respiratory Function Tests

Objective To investigate the efficacy and optimal time of levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment in pregnant rats with subclinical hypothyroidism.Methods Female adult Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n =10 per group):control,hypothyroid (H),subclinical hypothyroid (SCH),and SCH treated with L-T4 starting from the tenth,thirteenth,and seventeenth gestational day (GD10,GD13 and GD17),to restore normal thyroid hormone levels.Spatial learning was assessed in progenies by a water maze test and fEPSPs recording.Results Progenies from the SCH and H groups demonstrated significantly longer mean latency in the water maze test and a lower amplification percentage of the fEPSPs' amplitude and slope compared with the offspring of the control group.L-T4 treatment in the GD10 and GD13 groups significantly shortened mean latency and increased the amplification percentage of the fEPSPs' amplitude and slope as compared with the progeny of rats with subclinical hypothyroidism.However,L-T4 treatment in the GD17 group showed only minimal effect on spatial learning of offspring.Conclusion Maternal subclinical hypothyroidism may impair spatial learning in the offspring; L-T4 treatment started early during pregnancy may alleviate this adverse effect.

Objective To establish a rat skin organ culture model to study the initiation of hair follicle morphogenesis, and the dynamic expression of Wnt10b/β-catenin in the developing hair follicle. Methods The dorsal skins of SD rat at embryos 14-17 (E14-E17) were cultured on a gelatin sponge-supported tissue culture system at the air/liquid interface of DMEM with 10 % fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 3-6 days, some of which removed from El5 were cultured in DMEM with FBS of different concentrations. HE staining and fluoroimmunoassay were adopted. Results The model we established allowed skin tissues isolated from E14-E15 to develop in a manner that was histologically and temporarily similar to the process in vivo. However, the developing hair follicle ceased to continue when their morphogenetic process reached the forth stage, and the concentration of FBS did not show any significant effect on the development of hair follicle. Expression of Wnt10b/β-catenin was induced in culture, as it also occurred in vivo,but grew weak till it disappeared in culture for 6 days, which was accompanied by development halt of hair follicle. Conclusions A rat skin organ culture model is established in which the morphogenesis of hair follicle takes place in a manner similar to in vivo, and Wnt10b/β-catenin probably has a close connection with the early morphogenesis of hair follicle.

Objective To explore whether maternal subclinical hypothyroidism gives rise to poor performance in the offspring and whether this is associated with the expression of several genes that are under the control of thyroid hormones. Methods Sixty female rats were divided into three groups ( each group n = 20): ( 1 )maternal subclinical hypothyroidism ( total thyroidectomy with T4 infusion), (2) maternal hypothyroidism ( total thyroidectomy without T4 infusion), and (3) control (sham operated). All rats were mated 10 days after the start of infusion. The infusion continued until 10 days postpartum. Pups were sacrificed at postnatal day 3, 7, and 21. The hippocampus was collected and tested for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Rap1 protein expression by Western blotting and for BDNF and neural cell adhesion molecule ( NCAM ) mRNA expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction. On day 41-49, rat pups explored the Morris water maze. Time spent in the quadrant previously containing the plat form was recorded. Results The present study found decreases in BDNF mRNA (on day 3 ) and protein levels (on day 3 and 7 ) in hippocampi of pups from subclinical hypothyroidism dams (P＜0.05). No change was observed in the levels of NCAM mRNA, whereas at day 21, expression of Rap1 protein was higher than that of control offspring. In addition, pups of subclinical hypothyroidism dams showed a trend toward depression in short-term memory (P＞0.05), and long-term memory testing revealed a trend toward subclinical hypothyroidism group pups being less able to remember a fixed platform position than controls, spending less time in the proper quadrant ( P＜0. 05 ). Conclusion The long-term memory deficits of pups born to maternal subclinical hypothyroidism dams are likely related with decrease in BDNF expression as well as increase in Rap1 expression in hippocampi.

Objective To identify the association of HLA-DQA1 and-DQ B1 alleles with vitiligo in Chinese Hans in Anhui province.Methods Polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP) method was used to analyze the distribution of HLA-DQA1 and-DQB1 alleles among 187 patients with vitiligo and 273 healthy controls.Results The frequencies of HLA-DQA1*0302,-DQB1*0303,-DQB1*0503 alleles were significantly increased in the patients with vitiligo compared with those in the controls,and HLA-DQA1*0501 allele frequency was mark edly decreased.HLA-DQA1*0302,-DQA1*0601,-DQB1*0303,-DQB1*0503 alleles were p ositively associated,whereas HLA-DQA1*0501 allele was negatively associated wit h childhood vitiligo,and HLA-DQB1*0303 allele was positively associated with ad ult vitiligo,in comparison with those in the controls.The frequency of HLA-DQB 1*0303 allele was significantly increased in localized vitiligo patients compare d with that in the controls,whereas frequencies of HLA-DQA1*0302,-DQB1*0303,-DQB1*0503 alleles were significantly increased and the frequency of HLA-DQA1*050 1 allele was markedly decreased in generalized vitiligo patients.Conclusions HLA-DQA1*0302,-DQA1*0601,-DQB1*0303 and-DQB1*0503 alleles could be the suscep tible alleles of vitiligo,while HLA-DQA1*0501 allele could be the protective al lele in Chinese Hans in Anhui province.There may be different genetic backgroun ds between childhood and adult patients,and between localized and generalized vitiligo.

Administration, Oral ; Anticoagulants/adverse effects* ; Atrial Fibrillation/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Stroke ; Vascular Calcification/drug therapy* ; Warfarin

OBJECTIVETo study the relationship between gene p53 codon 72 polymorphism and pathological scar formation occurrence after caesarean section.

METHODSThe method of molecular beacon with real-time PCR was applied to detect gene polymorphism of p53 codon 72 in blood samples taken from 303 pregnant women (within a week after caesarea section). The clinical visits were taken 3 times for 12th to 18th months to ascertain clinical formation of pathological scar and its relationship to genotype of p53. The chi-square method was used to analyze the relationship of p53 gene polymorphism and abnormal scar formation occurrence by statistical software SPSS 13.0.

RESULTSTotal of 303 pregnant women were assayed. 30 patients were found with pathological scar by clinical visit in the total 303 pregnant women. The genotype frequencies of total three types (C/C, C/G and G/G) of p53 gene codon 72 in patients with pathological scar are significantly different from that of normal pregnant woman. The frequency of C/C genotype in patients are higher than that of normal pregnant women (P < 0.01). The frequency of C/C genotype in these patients with pathological scar is higher (46.7%, 14/30) than C/G (33.0%, 10/30, P < 0.01) or G/G (20%, 6/30) genotype (P < 0.01). The C allele frequency in the patients is 63.7%. It is also higher than G allele (36.7%, P < 0.01). The OR value is 2.30. Therefore the C allele of p53 gene codon 72 is a risk factor for pathological scar.

CONCLUSIONSThere was a certain relationship between p53 gene codon 72 C allele and pathological scar formation after caesarean section.

Alleles ; Cesarean Section ; Cicatrix ; genetics ; Codon ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genes, p53 ; Genotype ; Humans ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Pregnancy ; Risk Factors